When Money Becomes an Issue...

[flubby]

Hey everybody.

I'm new here. I strongly believe that to be a good photographer one doesn't need money. However, there are some things that require money. For instance, if I want to take a macro shot I will need a better camera, with good zoom. If I want to take pictures of stars I will need a CCD camera, which is definetely way more xpansive then the one I use. If I want to make my picture a little better I will need a photoshop software. I feel really restricted.

I've actually been able to take "macro" pictures that were not out of focus. But i need to try at least some 15 times over tot ake a single picture. This considering that I have a memory card that stores only 24 pictures, and I have to unload it pretty often. Btw... I do all the macro shots without a tripod, which is part of the reason why it get out of focus. But if I get close enough, no matter what I do it gets out of focus.

So anyways... here's a little story on how I'm trying to get over my money problems. I want to showe of my pictures somewhere (probably at school, cause I definetely have no money or recognition for art galleries) and I will hope that some rich person come along, like them and sponsor me or hire me so that iI can pay my tuition to get my business degree and another year for a photography course.

To show my pictures I will need enough money to print them, to do some business cards and to frame them. Yikes!

Does anyone have any idea how I can get through money issues by using my pictures? They are all that I have basically...

Feel free to make fun on me...
Just kidding...

[JCW3]

I orgially thought this was going to be a story about how you found a good deal on a camera, but I see that that your still looking for the "DEAL".

I will admit that making money on photography is not one of those "Get Rich Quick" things. It just takes a lot of time and work to get those "COVER SHOOT" images.

Its all and good to set your goals high, but at the same time you have to be realistic. So I usually recommend starting small and working your way up. There are numerous ways to put a little cash in your pocket, but you have to see what fits your likes and also whats around you. I will list a few exams below that will let you get started in the industry.

-Newspaper... talk to your local paper and see if you can help out or atleast do a few local events. Your camera will meet there standards and do well for some of the events they may be needing to do.
-Try messing around with craft shows. You will find the fees are very cheap to get a booth and then you can even split it with other photographers or crafters.
-Try specializing in one area. Say if you like macro work and you feel its a strong area. Maybe pick a subject that is easy for you to photograph and go from there. This way you can get a wide varity of images of that subject. It could be Mallard Ducks, lady bugs, and so on.
-Look for local magazines that are smaller. They are often looking for photographers to do local events and such. Its hard to get in with these groups, but once you do, your in for good.
-Photo events. This is a good place to get started. I know I try to enter into local events often as possible. It allows others in your area to see your work. This gets your name out and also gets you some good info to put on a resume (if you win or place in the event). Many times these events will being in some pocket change as well.
-I know this sounds crazy, but offer some of your services to charaitable events. I know I offered to be a photographer for a local Relay For Life event a few years ago and since the it has really paid off. I have had numerous organizations contact me since then about doing similar work. So I donated a few hours and in returned gained alot.

As far as equipment, you are correct that better equipment will often help. But equipment is not everything. But I am a big beleaver that haveing the right tool sure makes the job easier. But you must realize that getting a new camera means learning features all over and learning the limits of it. So its not a quick fix.

There are alot of things you can do to aid what you have. A tripod would be a good start. I use to think it was not a big deal, now a large percentage of my stuff is done with a tripod. Add ons such as diopters and converters can make a small camera like your Sony 32 to do alot more. I have not looked into it, but I am sure there is a lens adapter for that model.

Tough questions, if you find that quick fix, let us know since the majority of Am Photographers are looking for the same thing.

[IcarusFree]

JCW3.. great advice.


FIRST ON EQUIPMENT
Flubby I agree with you good equipment helps and makes a difference in most cases, but not all the cases. I have sen in this site and the premium site pictures taken with consumer and prosumer cameras that are superb and have nothing to envy a pro DSLR. So it is in the eye of the photographer, and yes it takes practice. 1 in 15 is a good ratio for me. I typically shoot 200-500 pictures on a weekend and only keep less than 10% on my hard drive, and about half of that get printed.

NOW MARKETING IDEAS
I do not depend on photograhy to pay the bills, but I agree with JCW3 that it is hard to get rich or earn money fast with photography.

Start small, try to look for "market opportunities". In any business you will need to invest some money upfront. Nothing comes free.

Besides the posibilities JWC mention, you can also approach local businesses, especially those that have a lot of people coming in for service. They may be willing to "decorate" their site with some of your best pictures in a nice frame. You can attach your business card or contact info and perhaps a small flyers or brochure for people to take home.

That will give you more exposure, and culd be easier to get that magazines. Depending on what you shoot the most you can approach travel agencies (landscape/travel), restaurants (landscape/food/still life), beauty parlors (portraits/fashion), government agencies (local landscapes or landmarks) and so.

Don't get discouraged. It may be that you need a part-time job to support you during the college years. We all neded it. But keep shooting. That improves the eye.

[me_wrestler]

It is difficult to get started in the photography business without good gear. On the other hand, it is difficult to get the gear without starting a business. The best adivce I can give (I've helped several people start businesses) is to start small. Sports, church events, school events, and such. Stay away from weddings until you are SURE you can do a good job. It will take a bit of time to build enough business and equiptment to support yourself but it is better to start small and build a good reputation for yourself rather than jump into something that is over your head and ruin your reputation.
Colin

[flubby]

Hey JCW3

My camera has no additional add ons. I know it sucks, but it is true. I was trying to get a "neutral density filter" for it so that I can make the light softer, but when I went back to the store I bought it, they said that my camera oesn't have any add ons. It is almost the worse digital camera there is. I could maybe afford a better one if my dad would allow me, but he doesn't. I don't think he believes someone can earn money with photography...

Anyways... another issue is that I'm getting more and more interested in taking pictures of models. I have taken A LOT of pictures of plants, flowers, trees, and inanimate objects. I'm kinda tired of all that. I want to experiment with models, but it is really hard to find one. I have a friend that is a "photographer" (she works at school, so she is not a "professional" one) and she said that people are usually freaked out if the photographer is "in their face". So I need a camera with zoom. Then we are back to the money issue...

But anyways... I will see what I can do...

[flubby]

Just to make the situation even more complex...
I'm actually a brasilian, and I'm living in Canada. I'm not allowed to work here, nor to sell my pictures. The only way I can earn some money with my pictures is if I get sponsored by someone rich or if I win a prize in a contest...

I'm worried wheter I will be able to go to university in the last year. We need money. People say I have the talent for taking pictures, but I haven't had an opportunity to really show this talent. I'm hoping to have this opportunity soon, but as far as it goes, I'm in danger of having to go back to my country and face 20% of unemployment rates with a salary of about $150 per month... If I have to go back there and I'm lucky enough to get a job I will have to work hard and I won't get anything. Not a chance for my pictures. If I'm unlucky, my "talent" for pictures might get completely wasted if I have to go begging on the streets for money. But that's the ultimate failure.

So... it's hard. And it had been VERY hard to get an opportunity.
I hope my new plans will work out... I might have a big opportunity coming up...